MARIA RAGO, PH. D.
Maria is the clinical director and founder of Rago & Associates. She has extensive experience in individual, marital and family therapy, supervision and professional consultation. Her leadership has been important across inpatient, outpatient and residential settings. Her advice is so sought after that Maria has been quoted in the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Scholastic’s Science World Magazine and by the Associated Press. Maria was named, “Health Hero” by Prevention Magazine for their March 2008 issue. She was also selected as “December” for the 2009 Prevention Calendar. She has appeared as an expert on the 10 o’clock news for both ABC and NBC in Chicago and nationally on Good Morning America and Fox News Live with Brian Wilson.
Maria serves as the National Vice President of ANAD (The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) and in 2012 she was honored to win ANAD’s prestigious Vivian Meehan Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in her service and commitment to people with eating disorders and their loved ones.
Maria has been a passionate and outspoken leader in the field of eating disorders, obesity and body image, and she has spoken across the nation and in Europe to help change people’s unfair assumptions and views. Her book, “Shut Up, Skinny Bitches” (2010) encouraged readers to love food and their bodies.